Government turns the sod on ground-breaking Defence housing plan

On 23 September Mr Penk, along with Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Mathew Williams, Head of Defence Estate and Infrastructure Mark Brunton and Deputy Chief of Army Brigadier Hamish Gibbons, turned the soil on the future site for new homes for military personnel and families.

Mr Penk said the Linton project is part of the largest and most ambitious Defence housing initiative since the 1980s.

“The Government intends to invest up to $600 million into the Homes for Families programme through the Defence Capability Plan,” he said.

“Construction has begun on eight new homes at Linton Military Camp, alongside five homes in Bulls for personnel at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea.

“These new builds will include modern two- and three-bedroom homes, replacing outdated 1940s- and 50s-era housing that no longer meet the needs of today’s military families or supports their wellbeing.

“Work is also underway on 10 brand-new, three-bedroom homes at Burnham Military Camp in Canterbury.

“In Auckland’s Bayswater, 61 new homes are being built by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s property development arm, which will be leased by Defence for personnel from the Devonport Naval Base.”

He said the government was committed to delivering 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp, with details to be announced later this year.

“This is just the beginning. The Defence Force is preparing to go to market around the end of 2025 for additional new housing at Linton, Ohakea, Burnham and Trentham Military Camp.

“Defence families often relocate throughout New Zealand to ensure personnel are where they’re needed most, and it’s important we support them on this journey with homes that offer a secure family life. They deserve warm, modern homes to return to when off duty.

He said too many homes across the camps and bases no longer meet the standards expected for service personnel.

“Some were built as far back as the 1930s and remain run-down, poorly laid out and poorly insulated because of decades of underinvestment, making them unsuitable for modern family living.” The work will also support communities by creating skilled construction jobs around the camps and bases.

“That means new opportunities for workers and businesses, more money flowing into local communities
and a boost to national economic growth.”